RFID in Underground-Mining Service Applications

Abstract
Underground mine mapping using GPS technology is not an easy task because satellite
signals do not penetrate through earth strata down to the underground mine works. In most cases,
the use of GPS data collection for underground mines is limited to capturing the point locations
such as mine entry, shaft locations and approximate mine location and then using traditional
underground mine surveying techniques to capture spatial data. In order to capture accurate
spatial information for underground mines, we need to explore new ways of collecting spatial
information where satellite GPS technology is not applicable. The Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) is a method which relies on storing and remotely retrieving data via
transmitting radio waves using devices called RFID tags or transponders. In our daily lives, we
see this technology being used by mail/package delivery system, medical devices reading vital
information off of implanted medical chips in humans and animals, and cashiers at retail stores
checking items for purchase. This technique has been successfully used in facilities management
such as airports. The use of RFID and other wireless technologies will enable us to collect
accurate spatial data in cases where conventional satellite GPS technology is not feasible.

The purpose of this project is to illustrate the possibilities of utilizing RFID, Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth wireless technologies in personnel/equipment tracking and mapping mine works of
Pollyanna No. 8 underground mine in Oklahoma. Also, cost analyses associated with installation
of RFID or similar wireless tracking systems at this mine site and the benefits of having such a
system will be evaluated and addressed. In addition, this paper will provide a number of case
studies where RFID/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth technology has been applied in mining and other industries.
Block diagram:

LCD DISPLAY
POWER SUPPLY

ARM7
(LPC2148) RFID READER RFID TAGS

TEMPERATURE SENSOR

ZIGBEE MODULE

KEYS/LOAD SWITCH
MOTOR DRIVER

ACCIDENT SWITCH

MOTORS

PERSONAL
COMPUTER

Hardware:

ARM 7
LCD
ZigBee Module
RFID
Temperature Sensor
Software:

Keil IDE
Flash Magic

Applications:

In Underground Mines.

Advantages:

Detecting the problems in underground mine and take immediate

action to the problem. So, we save the manual power and money. Also,
the safety of mines is ensured.